Choose Your Own Adventure

A few weeks ago I was sitting in a new house, in a new city with a new(ish)born. The three year old was running in circles pulling a stuffed dog toy around by a leash shouting out random lines from the Octonauts. Griffin (the real dog) was growling in his usual grouchy way and there were cardboard boxes all around us.

Grace's look for unpacking- swim suits and snow hats

These two are the sweetest siblings. Grace loves making her little brother smile.

It's CRA-ZY to think that this time last year-like this exact time- we were moving into the townhouse in Murfreesboro. Fast forward one year ahead and we are now a family of four. Cole survived one year on the night shift, which let me just tell you, takes its toll on you physically and mentally and on the family as a whole. We decided to take the leap and accepted a great job offer in Charlotte in order to be closer to family and other opportunities. All of this meant another dreaded move- probably like the 12th one as a married couple!

Not only are we still recovering from the chaos of moving, we're also recovering from the stress of selling our house (which was burglarized). Even with an offer at our very first showing, the whole real estate process has left me with a lot to be desired. I've also lost a little faith in humanity and can't shake the feeling of being violated. Stealing is wrong, peopleI'm trying my best to find the silver lining in the situation, and at least, at the end of the day we found a buyer fast, we are moved into a house that has a little more space (a playroom!) (a yard!), and we had insurance to cover the theft and damage. 

We are missing some wonderful friends that we left behind in Tennessee, but we plan to visit soon when Auntie Jen has a place for us to stay. Until then, we are looking forward to getting settled and doing some exploring in Charlotte. Grace is already inviting kids in the Chick-Fil-A play place over to play, so I think she'll have no problem making new friends. We're also excited to be nearby some family here in Charlotte.

Great grandparents visiting NC and meeting Brax

We've even already had our first visitor! Grandma came to visit for her Spring Break, and we hung pictures, went to see Cinderella at the movie theaters and took a day trip to IKEA. How lucky am I to have such a wonderful mom?

Braxton loves selfies (ha!)

#mymomismyfairygodmothertoo

This Year I Choose Joy

(Source)

"We have to choose joy and keep choosing it."

-Henri J.M. Nouwen

Happy new year! 2015 is officially here. So far, I'm a fan! It still feels fresh and new and full of possibilities. We've had family visitors and even some sunny (winter) days.

2014 was a year of transition and change. 

We left life in the Army for life in Tennessee. 

We said goodbye to our first house, became landlords and simplified life with the purchase of a townhouse.

We made time for family and celebrated our love and each other. 

We cheered for my dad's medical victories from afar. 

We found out we were adding to the nest... A boy! 

Our little girl turned three and prepared to become a big sister. She danced and played, made friends and went to school. She blew our minds with how smart, sweet and funny she was. 

We bought a big girl bed for our big girl and set up a nursery for out little guy. 

Photo by Christina Clark Photography

We wondered what we'd name him....and then we welcomed Braxton Edwin Anderson one month early on December 18th, 2014 at 9:52 pm. 

We celebrated Christmas as a family of four and look to the new year for the adventures that await.

Last year I wanted to FOCUS. 

This year my resolution is to choose joy. Truly enjoy life's moments and live deliberately. That is my goal.

(Source)

Happy 2015! Let's make it good. 

Looking Forward to 2014

Here it is January, 9th, so that seems like the perfect time to finish my new year's resolutions. Last year I I really tried to Push It and go outside of my comfort zone. It was an amazing year, spending time with family, watching our little girl grow up and dreaming about our future.

Here are some of my favorite memories from 2013:

Getting certified to teach Stroller Strides

Running the Zombie Mud Run

Grace's first day of "school"

Easter Breakfast with the Bunny and egg hunt with my mom

Family trip to Myrtle Beach for the Diva Half Marathon

Music Together class with Grace

Taking Grace to the zoo on Father's Day

We celebrated our nine year anniversary 

Cole ran the Army Ten Miler really fast 

Playing in the kiddy pool and the sprinkler with Grace and Cole

Visiting Jennifer in Maryland and taking Grace to the Discovery Museum

Playing volleyball with The Lovely Lady Bumps

Family trip to the lake house during the summer

Grace's second birthday party at Gillis Hill Farm

Cole getting accepted into the masters program at Penn State

Trips to the pumpkin patch and corn maze

I had an extra-special 28th birthday

Trick-or-treating with my little wonder woman on Halloween

Thanksgiving kickball and the Bobcat's game in Charlotte

Flying to California to see my parents and their new house

Playing in the snow

Christmas was so fun with a 2 year old

It really was an amazing year. I feel so lucky for all of the opportunities I had to stay healthy, spend time with friends and family and watch sweet Grace grow up. I am thankful for a supportive, funny husband who is leading us on a new adventure this year. Big things are in the works…

My 2014 Vision Board: